The SAFE Symposium was a huge success! Thank you to all the speakers and community members who participated in these important discussions. Let’s continue the momentum!
This week community members gathered at the annual SAFE Symposium for meaningful discussions and collaboration around what we can do to stop child sexual abuse. Organizations involved in this important work across Utah shared how they are taking action to support this cause. Our Spoke Leaders each gave updates on the organizations they represent, as well as the Child Sexual Abuse Spoke of A Bolder Way Forward, also called the SAFE Coalition. Kolene Anderson, UWLP Associate Director, gave updates on the entire movement of A Bolder Way Forward, including the foundation built this year, and plans for the future. Guests heard powerful keynotes from First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio and James Eltroy Dixon. They each demonstrate resiliency and overcoming adversity. Dixon shared how we can dedicate our time to be a voice for the voiceless, and First Lady gave recommendations on how we can address this problem in Utah. We were honored to hear from Lacey Byrd and Caroline Ashton who shared their experiences and the incredible work they are doing to educate and inspire others. We hope through the information shared and the intentional discussions, guests were empowered and motivated to continue in the fight against child sexual abuse. Thank you to all involved. Jake Neeley Laurieann Thorpe Chris Yadon, MPA Heather Stewart #bwfchildsexualabuse